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Arame with Pumpkin Seeds and Sprouts (supports healthy bones, and can be helpful for weight loss--other therapeutic uses at end of recipe)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried Arame

Toasted Sesame Oil

2 cups alfalfa sprouts or mung bean sprouts

1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

1 bunch scallions, sliced thinly

Mirin - about 1/8 cup (rice cooking wine) Optional

**Soy sauce –about 1 TB

Rinse Arame and soak in enough cold water to cover for 5-10 minutes, and then chop into small pieces. Heat oil in a skillet and add the Arame, sautéing a few minutes over medium high heat. Add water to almost cover the Arame, and simmer 20-30 minutes. Remove cover and add Mirin soy sauce and simmer uncovered until all liquid is absorbed into the Arame. Turn off flame and stir in scallions, seeds and sprouts. Serve warm. For added flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon after you turn off the heat.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds - Place unsalted, organic pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet (no oil) and roast in the oven at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes, turning occasionally. Roasting removes excess fat, helps you digest better, and makes the seeds tastier.

**Soy Sauce – (also called shoyu) - contains amino acids, minerals, some B vitamins. Even in small quantities, good quality shoyu can buffer acidic foods and aid in the digestion of some foods. Buy soy sauce that is naturally fermented (traditionally brewed) aged 1-2 year in wooden vats – and free of additives or preservatives. Use in cooking only to enhance the flavor of the foods you are cooking it with. Avoid pouring it over food on your plate.

Johsen Shoyu is an excellent choice, and my favorite soy sauce. Available in some Natural Food stores and Whole Health Resources. Click here. Purchase naturally aged soy sauce from a reputable Natural Foods Store. Avoid popular supermarket brands that are highly processed.

Therapeutic Properties of Arame:

· moistens dryness

· softens hardened areas and masses in the body

· benefits the thyroid

· one of the richest sources of iodine and is highly concentrated in iron & calcium

· excellent for alleviating high blood pressure

· builds bones and teeth

· traditionally used to treat feminine disorders and mouth afflictions

· hijiki, arame, wakame, or any member of the kelp family, when consumed daily, can promote the growth of glossy hair and prevent its loss

· they also help provide a clear complexion and soft, wrinkle free skin

Preparation:

· Used primarily as a side dish cooked with vegetables. Needs to be cooked 30 minutes. Reconstitute in cold water 10-15 minutes.

· Sautéing in oil facilitates the digestion of oil-soluble vitamins and cuts the fishy taste.